The business side of freelancing is something that I have needed to navigate more seriously since transitioning to being a full time freelancer earlier this year. So when Jamie Brindle, freelance advisor superstar, was sponsored by Bloom last month and described them as offering “business in a box,” along with a generous trial discount code, it was a no-brainer for me to give them a try.
Over the last few weeks I have explored all of the features that Bloom boasts, and tested how it handled numerous client projects. As there aren't a lot of reviews for Bloom currently, let me share with you a few points to consider before signing up!
Prior to using Bloom, I had little experience with CRMs and was unsure exactly what to expect. I really appreciated how they made their interface user friendly and intuitive without sacrificing aesthetics. They provided simple step-by-step tutorials as part of their onboarding that allowed me to do a basic set up in only a few hours. I felt pretty confident using the platform within a couple of days.
Bloom has an impressive array of features that can be used across the life of a project. You can quote, invoice, receive payments, build forms, get contracts signed, project manage, schedule meetings, sell service packages, build a website, and set up a CRM in just the one platform!
Their initial business focused on the photography industry, which becomes more apparent when you review their testimonials, and see their gallery feature where you can share images with your client that they can download, favourite, and share.
Each feature Bloom offered I could see a use for in my business, aside from the website builder.
One of my favourite features was creating instant packages that user’s could buy directly off my site. I could see how it would drastically reduce admin time, back and forths with clients, and make it easier to engage with me. I have found Webflow’s ecommerce functionality sorely lacking, and Bloom looked like an ideal way to bridge that gap.
As I started exploring Bloom on a deeper level, and attempting to integrate it into my existing systems cracks started appearing.
I came across bugs using their scheduling, and forms functionality. Their scheduling feature was particularly impacted. I was unable to select my intended date through testing. It selects the one to your immediate left. With the forms I found descriptive text would not update in some instances, leaving you with text saying “client info step”. However, these were not the only reasons for me to think twice about further integrating Bloom into my business moving forward.
Whilst not necessarily surprising, I was disappointed that this was overlooked. Bloom targets creatives, so using Adobe Fonts is not a small use case. Hey, we’ve all got to make the most out of our CC subscription!
As self branding is particularly important for me, I would either need to:
None of these sounded appealing, but I did attempt option 3 when embedding a test form and ran into another, larger issue.
Initially I thought I was embedding the forms incorrectly into my web page. It was only once I experimented with custom coding to try and get around the font limitations that the form finally appeared. It took nearly 9 seconds to load completely. This delay would greatly impact SEO, and drive away clients just as they’re looking to actively engage with me.
The bugs, and loading issues meant game over for me using Bloom. However, there are a few other things to consider before joining their platform.
Video demonstrating loading speed comparisons between native Webflow forms, and embedded Bloom forms.
Top: Webflow form (left), Bloom form with custom coding (right)
Bottom: Webflow form (left), Bloom form with no custom coding (right)
Bloom post trial is not a cheap program to use. My account shows I am on the standard plan at $44 USD per month after my trial lapses. Although none of their three packages offered on their site is $44 a month. Another oversight I guess? Assuming I am on the $44 plan as listed, once it is converted to AUD this will work out to almost $70 per month, not including international banking fees! These are fairly large costs for a product with these core issues.
I’d like to see Bloom utilise native integrations more, without Zapier. Instead of embedding a Bloom form in my website which impacts my branding, SEO, usability and accessibility. Why couldn’t it receive the data from my native Webflow forms? Those forms have been styled exactly how I want, with no loading issues!
If meetings are scheduled with my existing calendar app, why can’t they be noted in my Bloom CRM? Whilst they want to simplify things to one platform, this flexibility would be appreciated to account for slightly differing ways of working.
The Experience Designer in me did feel a need to reach out to Bloom multiple times to alert them of bugs (with screenshots and video, like a good little tester!), things I’d like to see introduced, and my overall experience. The messages sent through to their customer service were replied to, but it was clear that they hadn’t looked at the additional material and were confused about the issues I highlighted initially.
Although the most disappointing interaction happened when I booked in a 1:1 call. Whilst I’m sure these calls are usually reserved to help people set up their accounts or executive level account management. I wanted the opportunity to speak to them directly, and it was simple to book through their support.
The call was confirmed for 9am on a Saturday morning. I joined a Zoom waiting room on time and was greeted by a looping video explaining that the staff member who I’d be meeting with was likely in another meeting, and if I was waiting too long I should send a text to his American mobile number. I waited twenty minutes before giving up, unwilling to pay for an international text message. I received a text at 9:37am saying that they didn’t see me on the Zoom call, and asking if I needed to reschedule. No Nathan, I do not.
I wanted to like Bloom, I really did. They have nailed what should be included for a ‘business in a box,’ for creatives. However, when it comes to execution it begins to fail.
Currently, Bloom requires too many workarounds for my specific needs and I cannot justify the price point they have set. As a small business I’m at the scale where I can utilise other options that suit me better at a lower cost. In particular I’ve been impressed with HubSpot and how it works to compliment my ways of working through integrations, rather than change them.
Have you tried Bloom? Let me know if your experience differs or what other CRM platforms are bringing you joy.
Crafted by yours truly, Shannon Towell 😎
